Earth-boring machine

ABSTRACT

A machine for the horizontal boring of shafts for the insertion of pipelines where excavation from the surface is undesirable, such as under freeways or the like, which comprises a boring mechanism for forming the holes as well as the push function for advancing the pipeline casings. This novel arrangement includes a pusher ring frame which is removably mounted on the track means and a power means frame which is in turn removably mounted on said pusher ring frame such that the frames can be removed from one another or removed from the carriage as an assembly.

United States Patent Albert R. Richmond 3,232,360 2/1966 Dickenson 175/171 X 3,366,186 1/1968 Young 173/154X 3,402,781 9/1968 Sandberg 175/171 Primary Examiner-Ernest R. Purser Attorney-Schmieding and Fultz ABSTRACT: A machine for the horizontal boring of shafts for the insertion of pipelines where excavation from the surface is undesirable, such as under freeways or the like, which comprises a boring mechanism for forming the holes as well as the push function for advancing the pipeline casings. This novel arrangement includes a pusher ring frame which is removably mounted on the track means and a power means frame which is in turn removably mounted on said pusher ring frame such that the frames can be removed from one another or removed from the carriage as an assembly.

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sum 1 OF 4 ALBERT R. RICHMOND bwzz ATTO NEVS PATENTEU 0m 1 2 I971 WU 3 (IF 4 INVI'N'H m. ALBERT R. RICHMOND daltl ATT NEYS EARTH-BORING MACHINE This invention relates to portable earth-boring machines and more particularly to a machine adapted for horizontal boring of shafis for the insertion of pipelines at installations where excavation from the surface is undesirable.

In general, the machine of the present invention is of a novel split design which includes a power means that is detachably removable from a base means. The power means is adapted to rotate an earth-boring auger and, in addition, functions to drive a pump for supplying pressurized fluid to hydraulic casing driving cylinders mounted on said base means, said cylinders serving to energize a pushing apparatus for driving assemblies of pipe casing sections into the horizontal hole formed by said auger.

It should also be mentioned that when the power means assembly is mounted on the base means it performs both the boring function for forming the hole as well as the pushing function of advancing the assembly casing sections.

In accordance with the present invention, when desirable the power means can be quickly removed from the base means and lifled from the trench and positioned at ground level adjacent thereto. At such surface location the hydraulic pump on the power means is connected to the pushing apparatus fluid motor while it is still positioned in the trench by flexible extension conduits. Hence the pushing apparatus can be operated to advance the assembly of easing sections at the same time that the power means has been removed from the trench to provide room for hand mining if desired.

As another aspect of the present invention the above-mentioned power means can be mounted on the base means at different selected heights by the use of a novel spacer means that can be removably mounted between the power means and the base means. This structural arrangement permits the operator to vary the height of the boring axis on the power means thereby permitting changing of the diameter of the boring and casing driving equipment.

As another aspect of the present invention the above-mentioned spacer means which provides vertical adjustment of the boring spindle axis, eliminates the need for unduly deep excavations at job sites where only the smaller diameter boring and pushing equipment is needed.

As another aspect of the present invention the novel split machine construction greatly facilitates transportation of the equipment since the power means can be easily separated from the base and easing driving apparatus.

As still another aspect of the present invention the novel split machine constructed comprises a quick-disconnect apparatus for mounting the power means such that the power means can quickly be removed from the trench in the event there is danger of flooding of the trench thereby protecting the equipment from water damage.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a horizontal earth-boring machine of novel separable construction that permits the quick removal of the power means assembly which includes an engine and associated components which can easily be removed from a base means and associated pushing apparatus for advancing casing sections into the bored holes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a boring machine of the type described that is adapted for variation of the height of the boring spindle axis thereby permitting the interchangeable utilization of boring and easing driving equipment of various diameters.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a boring machine of the type described that includes a power means assembly which can be removed from a base assembly disposed in a trench, and the former can be operated from the surface thereby providing clearance in the trench for hand mining operations and at the same time maintaining the operability of the pushing equipment on the base means.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a boring machine of the type described that can be readily disassembled into sections there by greatly facilitating portability.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a boring machine of the type described that includes a power means assembly that can be quickly removed from a base means disposed in a trench in the event that dangers of flooding the trench are encountered.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being bad to the accompanying drawings wherein a preferred form of embodiment of the invention is clearly shown.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG I is a side perspective view of a boring machine constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded side perspective view of the machine of FIG. 1;

F IG. 3 is an exploded view of the machine of the present invention with a casing driving assembly mounted on the carriage thereof;

FIG. 4 is a partial side elevational view showing a detachable mounting means comprising a portion of the machine of the preceding figures;

FIG. 5 is a partial end elevational view of the detachable mounting means of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a partial exploded view showing the detachable mounting means of FIGS. 4 and 5.

Referring in detail to the drawings, FIGS. l and 2 illustrate the complete boring machine of the present invention which includes a base means indicated generally at 20, a removably mounted power means indicated generally at 22, and a spacer means indicated generally at 24. Referring particularly to base means 20, this assembly includes spaced longitudinally extending track members 26 and 28 which are mounted on transverse frame members 30.

A carriage indicated generally at 32 is provided with rollers 34 disposed on the track means whereby power means assembly 22 can be moved longitudinally thereof in connection with the boring and easing pushing operations in a manner later to be described.

It should be mentioned that tracks 26 and 28 are provided with flanges 36, which permit the end to end attachment of plurality of such track sections. With continued reference to base means 20, carriage 32 is advanced and retracted with respect to tracks 26 and 28 by means of double-acting power cylinders 38 each of which includes a forward pivotal connection 40 with a bracket 42 extending downwardly from carriage 32. Power cylinders 38 each includes an extendable rod 44 pivotally connected to an advanceable cylinder base assembly indicated generally at 46 and described in detail in my copending application Ser. No. 867,8 l4 filed Oct. 20, i969.

In general, such advanceable cylinder mount assembly 46 includes manual actuators 48 which, when actuated. laterally inwardly release cylinder base assembly 46 to be advanced and locked, or retracted or locked, thereby permitting power cylinders 38 to advance or retract carriage 32 in connection with the boring and easing pushing operations.

Referring next to power means 22, such assembly includes an internal combustion engine 50 which drives a transmission 52 the latter being drivingly connected to a gear reduction unit 54, which unit includes a shaft provided with a driven coupling 56 for driving connection with the sectional augers used for the boring operation.

With continued reference to FIGS. l and 2, the machine further includes a master casing pusher ring assembly indicated generally at 60 which includes an annular guard 62 provided with a discharge hole 64 for releasing the earth drillings rearwardly of the auger.

A vane member 66 mounted on driven shaft means 56 is rotated therewith and functions to discharge the drillings outwardly through hole 64.

It should now be mentioned that master casing pusher ring 60 is normally mounted on power means 22 by bolting same to the front of the power means at bracket 70. Hence master casing pusher ring 60 is removed from the trench along with power means 22 when the latter is lifted therefrom by means of lifting bracket 72.

However, it should be further mentioned that master casing pusher ring 60 can be readily removed from power means 22 at the mounting bracket 70 and a master casing pusher ring of different diameter can be substituted therefor. For example, a 36 inch master casing pusher ring, used for installing 36 inch pipe casings, can be removed from power means 22 and a larger master casing ring, for example one of 48 inch in diameter, can be installed thereon for advancing the larger diameter casing sections.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, master casing pusher ring 60 can be utilized independently of direct attachment with power means 22 after such power means has been removed from the excavation, simply by mounting the pusher ring 60 on a separate pusher ring frame indicated generally at 150 which includes side members I58, transverse frame members I54 and I56, and braces I59-I6I on which pusher ring assembly 60 is mounted at the bolted flanges 163-165. It should further be mentioned that when separate pusher ring frame 150, FIG. 3, is utilized such frame includes locating means or slot 96-A adapted to receive the tongue or locating means 98 on carriage 32. In addition, separate pusher ring frame I50 includes a second clamp portion formed by flanges 92-A and slots 1 l6-A for receiving the first clamping portions 108-118 mounted on the carriage.

Reference is next made to a quick-disconnect mounting means construction indicated generally at 90 which is utilized for removably mounting power means 22 on carriage 32 of base means 20, or if larger diameter push rings are used for mounting such power means 22 on spacer means 24 which is in turn mounted on said carriage 32.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and through 7, it should be mentioned that quick-disconnect mounting means 90 are adapted to permit use as a boring machine either with or without the spacer means 24 and toward this end the power means 22 is provided with a top flange 92 and side flanges 94 which form a locating means or slot 96, the latter being adapted to receive either a tongue or locating means 98 on carriage 32, or if the spacer means 24 is used, tongues or locating means 100 mounted on such spacer means are inserted into slots 96 and tongues 98 on carriage 32 are positioned in recesses 104 formed in the bottom of the spacer tongues I00.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 5 through 7, quick-disconnect mounting means 90 further includes a first clamp portion in the form of a rod I08 pivotally mounted on flanges I10 at pivot I12. The upper end of each rod 108 is removably inserted into a second clamping means provided by the open end of slot H6 and a nut I18 is either tightened or loosened with respect to flange 92 when power means 22 is installed for removal from carriage 32 on the base means.

In operation, the boring machine of the present invention is transported to the excavation site in disassembled sections and, in a typical installation, such as where pipeline is to be installed under a highway, an excavation trench is dug adjacent to one side of the highway embankment and base means is lowered down into the floor of the trench by means of the lift rings 27.

In the event that smaller sized master casing pusher rings, such as the 36-inch size is to be utilized, then the spacer means 24 is not required and hence power means assembly 22 is lowered down into the trench with a suitable lifting apparatus, such as a crane, attached to lift bracket 72, and such power means 22 is located on base means 20 by the tapered tongue portions 98 which locate themselves within the recesses 96. Quick-disconnect clamping means 90 are next utilized by swinging rods I08 into slots 116 with nuts II8 being tightened down against flanges 92.

The workmen next assemble, at round level, a plurality of auger sections, for example auger sections of 4-foot lengths, within a casing section which may be, for example, 12 feet long. The casing section, with the auger sections assembled therein, are next lowered by the lifting apparatus into the trench to a position forwardly of power means 22 and the first auger section is next coupled to power means 22 by inserting its shank into drive socket 57 of drive coupling 56 Also, it should be mentioned that the casing section is positioned with its rear end inserted into annular guard 62 of master casing pusher ring 60 with the rear end of such casing section abutting the front end of an inner casing engaging flange 65 whereby axial thrust is applied directly to the end of the casing section.

The engine 50 of power means 22 is next energized to rotate the driving components and auger, the auger and easing section are advanced into the drilling engagement with the embankment by double-acting pushing cylinders 38 which are driven by pressurized fluid from a pump I20 connected to an extension end of pushing cylinders 38 via conduit I22. The other end of power cylinders 38 are connected to the reservoir mounted on the power means by a conduit I24 and cylinders 38 are energized by a control valve means indicated generally at 126.

It should further be mentioned that the hydraulic circuit comprising cylinders 38, hydraulic conduits I22 and 124, and control valve mechanism I26 are adapted for both forward and reverse operation such that reservoir return conduit I24 can be connected to pressure and conduit I22 connected to reservoir so as to retract carriage 32 with respect to base means 20.

With continued reference to operation of the boring machine, as the boring progresses the operator can advance the advanceable pushing cylinder mounting means assembly 46 along base means 20 and toward the hole being bored by actuating levers 48 inwardly, with respect to the tracks, and moving the assembly 46 forwardly to a new location. Such forward adjustment of the pushing cylinder mounting means permits the boring and pushing apparatus to be advanced to a new location thereby permitting the operator to drill a hole deeper and advance the casing further into the embankment. After the previously described casing section is advanced completely into the embankment, power means 22 and carriage 32 on which it is mounted are retracted by means of double-acting power cylinders 38 and the advanceable cylinder base mounting apparatus 46 is retracted to a position on the rear of the base means 20 with rollers 49 serving to transport such apparatus to the rear of the track means.

It should be mentioned that the first casing section and the first group of auger sections positioned therein, are left in position in the embankment with the rearmost auger section being uncoupled from auger drive coupling 56.

A second casing section, with auger sections assembled therein, is next lowered into the trench forwardly of the boring machine and the forward end of the casing is moved into abutting relationship with the first previously inserted casing section and jointed thereto by welding. The rear end of the second casing section, and the assembled auger sections therein, are coupled to the boring machine at coupling 56, and to master casing pusher ring 60 in the manner previously described, with the forward one of the newly inserted auger sections being coupled to the previously driven rear auger section. The machine is next operated in the manner previously described with the cycles of operation being repeated as required.

It should be mentioned that when the boring machine is operated on a grade for inclined or declined boring and pushing operations, the operator can arrest movement of carriage 32 by a manual brake assembly indicated generally at I30 which includes a pivoted lever I32 pivoted to the power means at a pivot 134 such that when a pedal I36 is depressed a brakeshoe portion I38 is forced downwardly into frictional engagement with the top surface of track member 26. It should be mentioned that shoe I38 is mounted on the lower end of a rod which is vertically mounted for slideable movement in a guide I42.

lclaim:

l. A portable earth-boring machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and a fluid motor for driving said carriage means along said track members; power means including a power means frame adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage, an engine mounted on said power means frame and including an engine drive shaft, a gear reduction unit mounted on said frame means and including a driven gear reduction shaft driven by said engine drive shaft and an output shaft adapted to be coupled to an earth-boring auger, and a pump mounted on said power means frame and including conduits disconnectably coupled to said fluid motor; a casing pusher ring mounted on said power means frame; and mounting means for detachably removing said power means frame and casing pusher ring from said base means as an assembly.

2. A portable earth-boring machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and a fluid motor for driving said carriage means along said track members; power means including a power means frame adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage, an engine mounted on said power means frame and including an engine drive shaft, a gear reduction unit mounted on said frame means and including a driven gear reduction shaft driven by said engine drive shaft and an output shaft adapted to be coupled to an earth-boring auger, and a pump mounted on said power means frame and including conduits disconnectably coupled to said fluid motor; a casing pusher ring mounted on said power means frame; a first locating means on said car riage and including a first clamp portion; a second locating means on said power means frame and including a second clamp portion, said clamp portions being detachably connectable for removal of said power means frame and casing pusher ring from said carriage as an assembly.

3. The machine defined in claim 2 wherein one of said locating means includes a recess and other of said locating means includes a tapered member removably inserted in said recess.

4. The machine defined in claim 2 wherein one of said clamp portions includes an open ended slot, and wherein the other of said clamp portions includes a pivotally mounted rod adapted for pivotal movement into and out of said slot.

5. A portable earth-boring machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and a fluid motor for driving said carriage means along said track members; casing pusher ring frame means adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage and including an annular pusher ring mounted on the forward end thereof; power means including a power means frame adapted to be removably mounted on said casing pusher ring frame means, an engine mounted on said power means frame and including an engine drive shaft, a gear reduction unit mounted on said frame means and including a driven gear reduction shaft driven by said engine drive shaft and an output shaft adapted to be coupled to an earth-boring auger; and a pump mounted on said power means frame and including conduits disconnectably coupled to said fluid motor; and mounting means for detachably mounting said casing pusher ring frame means and said power means frame from said carriage as an assembly.

6. The apparatus defined in claim 5 that includes a first locating means on said carriage and including a first clamp portion; a second locating means on said power means frame and including a second clamp portion, said clamp portions being detachably connectable for removal of said power means frame and casing pusher ring frame means from said carriage.

7. The machine defined in claim 6 wherein one of said locating means includes a recess and the other of said locating means includes a tapered member removably inserted in said recess.

8. The machine defined in claim 6 wherein one of said clamp portions includes an open ended slot, and wherein the other of said clamp portions includes a pivotally mounted rod adapted for ivotal movement into and out of slot.

9. A portable earth-boring machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and a fluid motor for driving said carriage means along said track members; casing pusher ring frame means adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage and including an annular pusher ring mounted on the forward end thereof; and mounting means for detachably mounting said casing pusher ring frame means on said carriage, said mounting means including a first locating means on said carriage, a second locating means on said pusher ring frame means, a first clamp portion on said carriage, and a second clamp portion on said pusher ring frame means, said clamp portions being detachable for removal of said pusher ring frame means from said carriage.

10. The apparatus defined in claim 9 that includes a first locating means on said carriage and including a first clamp portion; a second locating means on said power means frame and including a second clamp portion, said clamp portions being detachably connectable for removal of casing pusher ring frame means from said carriage.

II. The machine defined in claim 10 wherein one of said locating means includes a recess and the other of said locating means includes a tapered member removably inserted in said recess.

12. The machine defined in claim 10 wherein one of said clamp portions includes an open'ended slot, and wherein the other of said clamp portions includes a pivotally mounted rod adapted for pivotal movement into and out of said slot. 

1. A portable earth-boring machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and a fluid motor for driving said carriage means along said track members; power means including a power means frame adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage, an engine mounted on said power means frame and including an engine drive shaft, a gear reduction unit mounted on said frame means and including a driven gear reduction shaft driven by said engine drive shaft and an output shaft adapted to be coupled to an earth-boring auger, and a pump mounted on said power means frame and including conduits disconnectably coupled to said fluid motor; a casing pusher ring mounted on said power means frame; and mounting means for detachably removing said power means frame and casing pusher ring from said base means as an assembly.
 2. A portable earth-boring machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and a fluid motor for driving said carriage means along said track members; power means including a power means frame adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage, an engine mounted on said power means frame and including an engine drive shaft, a gear reduction unit mounted on said frame means and including a driven gear reduction shaft driven by said engine drive shaft and an output shaft adapted to be coupled to an earth-boring auger, and a pump mounted on said power means frame and including conduits disconnectably coupled to said fluid motor; a casing pusher ring mounted on said power means frame; a first locating means on said carriage and including a first clamp portion; a second locating means on said power means frame and including a second clamp portion, said clamp portions being detachably connectable for removal of said power means frame and casing pusher ring from said carriage as an assembly.
 3. The machine defined in claim 2 wherein one of said locating means includes a recess and other of said locating means includes a tapered member removably inserted in said recess.
 4. The machine defined in claim 2 wherein one of said clamp portions includes an open ended slot, and wherein the other of said clamp portions includes a pivotally mounted rod adapted for pivotal movement into and out of said slot.
 5. A portable earth-boring machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and a fluid motor for driving said carriage means along said track members; casing pusher ring frame means adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage and including an annular pusher rIng mounted on the forward end thereof; power means including a power means frame adapted to be removably mounted on said casing pusher ring frame means, an engine mounted on said power means frame and including an engine drive shaft, a gear reduction unit mounted on said frame means and including a driven gear reduction shaft driven by said engine drive shaft and an output shaft adapted to be coupled to an earth-boring auger; and a pump mounted on said power means frame and including conduits disconnectably coupled to said fluid motor; and mounting means for detachably mounting said casing pusher ring frame means and said power means frame from said carriage as an assembly.
 6. The apparatus defined in claim 5 that includes a first locating means on said carriage and including a first clamp portion; a second locating means on said power means frame and including a second clamp portion, said clamp portions being detachably connectable for removal of said power means frame and casing pusher ring frame means from said carriage.
 7. The machine defined in claim 6 wherein one of said locating means includes a recess and the other of said locating means includes a tapered member removably inserted in said recess.
 8. The machine defined in claim 6 wherein one of said clamp portions includes an open ended slot, and wherein the other of said clamp portions includes a pivotally mounted rod adapted for pivotal movement into and out of said slot.
 9. A portable earth-boring machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and a fluid motor for driving said carriage means along said track members; casing pusher ring frame means adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage and including an annular pusher ring mounted on the forward end thereof; and mounting means for detachably mounting said casing pusher ring frame means on said carriage, said mounting means including a first locating means on said carriage, a second locating means on said pusher ring frame means, a first clamp portion on said carriage, and a second clamp portion on said pusher ring frame means, said clamp portions being detachable for removal of said pusher ring frame means from said carriage.
 10. The apparatus defined in claim 9 that includes a first locating means on said carriage and including a first clamp portion; a second locating means on said power means frame and including a second clamp portion, said clamp portions being detachably connectable for removal of casing pusher ring frame means from said carriage.
 11. The machine defined in claim 10 wherein one of said locating means includes a recess and the other of said locating means includes a tapered member removably inserted in said recess.
 12. The machine defined in claim 10 wherein one of said clamp portions includes an open-ended slot, and wherein the other of said clamp portions includes a pivotally mounted rod adapted for pivotal movement into and out of said slot. 